Job Opportunities

PARISH MUSICIAN SEARCH CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1856 and located in Woodbury, New Jersey, Christ Episcopal Church is a vibrant parish community. We have rich liturgy and music grounded in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, where we strive to recognize both God’s intimate and transcendent presence in our worship. We offer diverse activities and educational programs for children, youth, adults, women, men, and families that strengthen and equip us to live as witnessing Christians in the world. We provide multiple opportunities to engage in mission-minded outreach in our local communities and beyond.

We are now receiving applications from candidates to fill the position of Parish Musician at Christ Church, comprising the traditional roles of Organist and Choirmaster.

Music at Christ Church

Known for excellence in the Anglican choral tradition, the music program at Christ Church is integral to our worship. The adult choir comprises approximately eight enthusiastic and talented volunteers, led by four paid section leaders (Choral Scholars).

Hymns are chosen from the Hymnal 1982, occasionally supplemented by other authorized Episcopal Church hymnals, as well as sources such as The New English Hymnal. We use congregational Mass settings, usually combined with an Anglican chant psalm, Offertory anthem, and Communion motet. Non-Sunday morning offerings include Masses for holy days such as Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, the Paschal Triduum, and Ascension Day; about two choral Evensongs per year; an ecumenical Advent Lessons and Carols. Most services are Rite I.

We are currently discerning how to revitalize the Youth Choir (Choristers) program, which admits those from fourth grade through eighth grade. In pre-Pandemic years we had up to twelve Choristers. It currently has three children who sing at three services a year. The program not only enriches our worship but also teaches elements of music theory, singing posture, tonal production, participation in liturgical worship and a real appreciation for sacred music.

The instrument is a two manual M.P. Möller Double Artiste with 12 ranks, unified at different pitches, with additional chimes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide organ music and accompaniment for the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass and occasional services as scheduled.
• Lead weekly choir rehearsals, including rehearsal time for Choral Scholars and for Choristers. Currently the choir rehearses on Sunday morning.
• Select and prepare a diverse range of choral repertoire attuned to the liturgical year and appropriate to the choir’s capabilities. Choral music on a typical Sunday morning includes Mass setting, Psalm setting, anthem and motet and chanted responses.
• Working collaboratively with clergy, selecting appropriate hymns, choral works, preludes, and postludes for Sundays, holy days, and other occasional services
• Develop and commit to a vision which nurtures and grows the entire choral community.
• Work with parish leadership to revitalize the Chorister (Youth Choir) program. 
• Work with the wardens and vestry to ensure organ maintenance and necessary repairs.
• Work with the wardens, treasurer, and vestry to manage the music budget and identify sources of extra funding for the music program.
• Attend in-person and/or virtual staff meetings and other meetings.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Organ, or Choral Conducting; or equivalent experience.
• Experience in leading a music program in a church setting.
• Excellent pipe organ skills, including improvisation.
• Excellent choral conducting ability.
• Excellent planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Ability to prepare a choir effectively in rehearsals to bring out its best in services.
• Ability to relate to and work well with choir members of all ages and skill levels.
• Ability to provide choir members with a rewarding experience and musical growth.
• The ideal candidate would also have or is open to broadening:
  • Experience serving in an Episcopal parish.
  • Familiarity and comfort with Anglo-Catholic liturgical and musical traditions, such as Anglican chant, plainsong psalmody, minor propers, choral Evensong.

Compensation

• This position is part-time (15 hours/week).
• Salary range $28,000- $32,000 commensurate with experience
• 4 weeks paid vacation.

Interested candidates: Please send the following to Fr. Lawrence Civale at  frcivale@christchurch.woodburynj.org

• Cover letter stating your interest and explaining how your gifts are suited to the position.
• Resumé.
• Reference contact information of three people who can attest to your qualifications and personal characteristics.
• Links to videos or recordings of your organ performance, hymn accompaniment, and choral conducting, as available.

Christ Episcopal Church
62 Delaware Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096

(856) 845-0190